The application of compound-type analyses to the correlation of product distributions and yields from the fluidized-bed pyrolysis of oil sands

Abstract

The production of liquids from Utah (Uinta Basin) oil sands in a fluidized-bed reactor was investigated. The product distributions, yields, and product qualities were determined as a function of operating variables: temperature (698–973 K), sand retention time (15–35 min) and fluidizing gas velocity (50–150 cm s −1). The quality of the liquids was assessed by gradient elution chromatography. Temperature appeared to be more significant than sand retention time in determining the compound-type distribution for oil sands containing moderate-viscosity bitumens; the distribution was approximately constant as the retention time changed at constant temperature. The predominant aromatic structure in the Uinta Basin bitumens appeared to be a naphthalene. The asphaltene content of bitumens was found to be an excellent correlating parameter for predicting product distributions and yields for pyrolysis of oil sands.